NFL mock draft 2021: Panthers, Patriots, Bears get aggressive for QBs

2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 18th overall

Micah Parsons is one of the most athletically gifted players in the 2021 NFL Draft class. His combination of speed and size at the linebacker position is incredibly impressive and is going to make him a high-level target for many NFL teams. That being said, there are some off-field rumblings surrounding Parsons, making it difficult to determine his value. He could easily be off of the board by the time the Dolphins go on the clock at No. 18, but if he is available, I have a hard time thinking that they would not make this pick.

Parsons is a fantastic athlete at the off-ball linebacker position who does a great job of playing in space. He shows tremendous natural instincts against the run, using his speed to roam around the field aggressively and displays tremendous block-shed ability. Parsons is a quick and instinctual defender who also has the size needed to compete on the inside.

On top of that, Parsons is an impact player in the blitz game. He shows an impressive combination of blitz timing, speed and power that makes him a consistent threat when rushing the passer. The Penn State product can even line up on the edge and bend around the corner a bit.

Parsons has a ton of natural upside as a coverage linebacker but lacks ideal instincts in that area right now. He can sit back and provide some value in zone coverage but he simply does not mirror opposing receiver well when he is asked to compete in man coverage. This is odd because Parsons undoubtedly has an ideal skill-set to be a real weapon in pass coverage.

The Dolphins feel like a great fit for Parsons because of his specific position versatility. Parsons has a lot of ability as an off-ball linebacker and can also line up and provide value as an edge rusher. This kind of versatility is extremely valuable in a Brian Flores’ defense and the Miami head coach would undoubtedly have a lot of fun putting Parsons in a position to succeed.